8 Delicious Watercress Recipes and Easy Tips on How to Store Watercress for Maximum Freshness

What is Watercress

Watercress is one of those greens that I always keep on hand because it’s so fresh and delicious! It’s a leafy green that grows in water, like in streams or ponds, and has these small, roundish leaves. The taste? It’s kinda peppery and tangy, a bit like arugula or mustard greens. It’s not like your usual lettuce—it’s got a bit more kick to it, which I love!

Not only does watercress taste great, but it’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients like vitamin A, C, and K, and even calcium and iron. That makes it a super healthy option to add to your meals. I love throwing it into salads, mixing it into soups, or even making sandwiches with it.

If you’ve never tried it, watercress is definitely worth adding to your recipes. It’s perfect for all kinds of Watercress Recipes because it adds a fresh, crisp bite to any dish. So, next time you’re in the store, grab some watercress and get creative in the kitchen! You’ll love the burst of flavor it brings.

Other leafy greens on this blog:

Bok Choy, Leeks, Chives

8 Watercress Recipes

If you’re looking for Recipes With Watercress that are simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Water Cress Recipe is just one of the many easy and delicious Watercress Recipes you can whip up in no time. Watercress is such a versatile ingredient—it’s peppery, crisp, and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for soups, salads, and more. Whether you’re a fan of light meals or hearty comfort food, watercress is always a great choice to add to your menu.

1. Watercress and Potato Soup

This soup is so cozy and comforting, especially on a cold day. The peppery taste of watercress mixed with creamy potatoes is just magic. I remember making this when my daughter caught a cold—it felt like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple, quick, and everyone loves it, even picky eaters! Perfect for when you want something warm and satisfying.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh watercress
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a splash of cream or a dollop of yogurt for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté till softened.
2. Toss in the diced potatoes and stir for a minute.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
4. Add the watercress and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Blend the soup using an immersion blender (or regular blender). Adjust salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm with a swirl of cream or a dollop of yogurt, if you like.

---

2. Watercress Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This salad is my go-to when I’m in a hurry but want something fresh. The watercress adds such a nice kick, and the lemon vinaigrette just pulls everything together. My kids love adding croutons on top for crunch. It’s light, healthy, and perfect as a side dish or even a quick lunch.

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh watercress
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the watercress. Place it in a large bowl.
2. Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!

---

3. Watercress and Egg Sandwiches

These sandwiches are such a hit in my house, especially for picnics or lazy brunches. The creamy egg filling and the peppery watercress make the perfect combo. Plus, they’re easy to whip up and don’t take much time. My son loves cutting them into cute triangles—it’s his “fancy” food!

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
• 2 boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 cup fresh watercress
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash the boiled eggs in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Spread the egg mixture evenly on two slices of bread.
3. Top with a layer of fresh watercress.
4. Cover with the remaining bread slices and cut into halves or triangles.
5. Serve and enjoy fresh!

---

4. Watercress and Feta Stuffed Flatbreads

These stuffed flatbreads are a dream for quick dinners or even snack time. The salty feta and peppery watercress work so well together. I first tried this recipe when I had some leftover flatbreads, and now it’s on regular rotation. It’s a mess-free, fun-to-eat kind of meal!

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 flatbreads (naan or tortillas work too)
• 1 cup fresh watercress
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Lay the flatbreads on a flat surface. Sprinkle half the feta on one side of each flatbread.
2. Add a layer of watercress and fold the flatbread in half.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the stuffed flatbreads for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
5. Slice into wedges and serve hot.

---

5. Watercress Stir-Fry with Garlic and Tofu

Stir-fries are my lifesavers for busy nights. This recipe is quick and loaded with flavor. Watercress gives it that spicy kick, while the tofu keeps it filling. Even my youngest, who’s not a tofu fan, loves this one! Serve it with rice, and dinner’s done.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 3 cups fresh watercress
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden on all sides.
3. Toss in the watercress and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and stir to coat evenly.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve hot with steamed rice.

---

6. Watercress Pesto Pasta

Who doesn’t love pasta? This watercress pesto version is a fresh twist that’s super easy to make. I love how vibrant and green it looks—it’s like spring on a plate. My family devours this every single time, and it’s perfect for leftovers too!

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 400g pasta of your choice
• 2 cups fresh watercress
• 1/4 cup walnuts or almonds
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender, combine watercress, nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Toss the pesto with the cooked pasta until well coated.
4. Serve warm, and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

---

7. Watercress and Chickpea Curry

Curries are my comfort food, and this one is so easy to make. The chickpeas give it a hearty texture, while the watercress adds a unique, fresh flavor. I made this one night when I was low on ingredients, and now it’s a family favorite! It pairs perfectly with rice or naan.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups fresh watercress
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
2. Stir in cumin, turmeric, and curry powder, cooking for another minute.
3. Add the chickpeas and coconut milk. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
4. Toss in the watercress and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with rice or flatbreads.

---

8. Watercress and Avocado Smoothie

This smoothie is my secret weapon for sneaking greens into the kids’ diet. The creamy avocado balances the peppery watercress, and the honey adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s refreshing, filling, and perfect for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up. My middle one calls it “green magic juice”!

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh watercress
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 banana
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A handful of ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Wash the watercress and peel the avocado.
2. Add watercress, avocado, banana, almond milk, honey, and ice cubes to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour into glasses and enjoy fresh!

---

I hope these Recipes With Watercress inspire you to get creative in the kitchen! Whether it’s a quick Water Cress Recipe for lunch or one of these flavorful Watercress Recipes for dinner, there’s so much you can do with this vibrant and nutritious green.

Watercress brings a unique peppery twist to any dish, and it’s so easy to work with. So go ahead, give these recipes a try and let watercress add a fresh, healthy touch to your meals!

How To Store Watercress

Here’s how I like to store watercress to keep it fresh and tasty. Trust me, nothing’s worse than opening the fridge to find wilted, sad greens, right? With just a little care, you can keep your watercress crisp and ready to use for days—or even longer if you freeze it!

---

Refrigerating Watercress

This is my go-to method because it’s quick and easy. After you bring the watercress home, give it a rinse in cold water to get rid of any dirt or grit. Then trim the ends of the stems, just like you would with fresh flowers. I gently shake off the extra water or pat it dry with a clean towel.

Now, here’s the trick: wrap the watercress in a damp paper towel. This helps it stay moist without getting soggy. Pop it into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, and stick it in the crisper drawer of your fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days this way.

---

Storing Watercress in Water

This method’s kind of fun and works great if you have space in your fridge. Start by trimming the stems like before, and then fill a jar or glass with an inch or two of cold water. Stick the stems in the water, almost like you’re putting flowers in a vase.

To keep the leaves from drying out, loosely cover the watercress with a plastic bag. Then place the jar in the fridge. Just remember to change the water every couple of days so it doesn’t get funky. This method can keep your watercress fresh for up to a week!

---

Freezing Watercress

If you’re like me and sometimes buy too much watercress (oops!), freezing it is a lifesaver. Start by washing and trimming it. Then blanch it—this just means dunking it in boiling water for 30 seconds, then quickly transferring it to ice water. This step helps lock in the color and flavor.

Once it’s cooled, drain and dry it really well. You don’t want any extra water turning it into a frozen mess. Pack the watercress into a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Toss it in the freezer, and you’re good to go for up to 3 months. It won’t stay crunchy, but it’s perfect for soups, smoothies, or stir-fries.

---

Some Handy Tips

• Always check for yellowing or slimy leaves before storing. If you find any, toss ’em out.
• Don’t store watercress near fruits like apples or bananas—they release ethylene gas, which makes the watercress spoil faster. Learned that the hard way!
• Watercress tastes best when it’s fresh, so try to use it up quickly if you can.

There you go! With these tips, you’ll never have to deal with sad, wilted watercress again. It’s such a tasty and healthy green—you deserve to enjoy it at its best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watercress